You could find yourself in an orthopedic walking boot for many reasons, including a sprained ankle, a broken foot, or recovery after surgery. A walking boot is designed to protect and stabilize the foot and ankle, allowing you to safely put weight on the injured area. This promotes healing while supporting mobility.
Below, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions by patients.
How Do You Put On a Walking Boot?
To guarantee your walking boot is properly worn, follow these steps.
- Wear a thin, moisture-wicking sock to help reduce friction and keep your foot dry.
- Slide your foot into the boot, making sure your heel sits securely in the heel cup.
- Fasten the straps from the bottom up, securing the lower straps first before moving to the middle and upper straps.
- Maintain a snug but not overly tight fit. To minimize discomfort, you’ll want enough room for your toes to move without being cramped.
How Do You Walk in a Walking Boot?
Now that your walking boot is snugly in place, mastering the proper walking technique is key to optimizing your recovery.
- Maintain good posture by standing upright with your shoulders aligned over your hips.
- Using a heel-to-toe roll, initiate each step by landing on your heel, and then gradually roll forward to your toes. A natural walking motion reduces stress on your joints and promotes a smoother gait.
- Take steps at a moderate pace, avoiding hurried movements. Prioritizing control over speed helps reduce the risk of slips or missteps.
Can You Drive in a Walking Boot?
Driving while wearing a walking boot is not recommended, especially if the boot is on your right foot. A walking boot limits the movement needed to safely operate foot pedals, making it more difficult to brake, accelerate, and respond quickly in an emergency. Its bulky design can also become caught or make it harder to judge the distance between your foot and the pedals.
Wait until your healthcare provider says it’s safe to drive before getting behind the wheel. Until then, arrange alternative transportation by asking a friend or family member for a ride or using a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Do You Sleep in a Walking Boot?
Whether you should sleep in a walking boot depends on your healthcare provider’s instructions. For instance, patients recovering from Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction® are not required to sleep in walking boots or wear them 24 hours a day. This way, patients can perform range-of-motion exercises at their big toe and ankle joints, and tend to their incisions and ice the area.
See a Specialist at The Foot & Ankle Center
If you’re dealing with consistent pain in your feet or ankles, don’t think that it has to stay that way. Our knowledgeable podiatrists at The Foot & Ankle Center provide thorough evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and offer safe and effective treatments that provide fast relief. If needed, they’ll prescribe a walking boot, show you how to use it properly, and answer any questions you have.
Let us help you take steps toward being pain-free. Request an appointment or call (314) 487-9300 today!